Uncategorized – Page 20 – Senator John Velis

May 18, 2023

Ahead of Taylor Swift Performances, Sen. Velis and Rep. Carey Highlight Transparent Ticket Pricing Bill

(BOSTON, MA – 5/18/2023) This week record-breaking, twelve-time GRAMMY award winner Taylor Swift will perform at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. But this past fall many fans looking to see her perform were left disappointed and frustrated by ticket sale companies. Senator John Velis (D-Westfield) and Representative Dan Carey (D-Easthampton) shared fans’ frustration with the non-transparent ticket pricing by ticket sale companies and introduced legislation earlier this session to reign in these deceptive practices here in the Commonwealth.

An Act Ensuring Transparent Ticket Pricing, filed as SD.2454 and H.259, would require that any ticket seller or reseller clearly displays the cost of the ticket, including all required and associated fees, prior to the consumer selecting it for purchase. It would also prohibit the practice of dynamic pricing where tickets increase in price during the purchase process based on consumer demand.

“This bill would add Massachusetts to a list of a growing number of states that have implemented similar policies to ensure consumers know the true cost of their tickets from the onset,” said Senator Velis. “There is often a number of additional fees added to the advertised ticket cost that consumers have minutes, if not seconds, to consider if they want to secure their tickets. It is nearly impossible for people to plan how much a ticket will cost to see their favorite artist, and that is simply wrong.”

Currently, consumers who have selected a ticket within their budget to purchase often find out during the billing process that there are several required fees added to the original ticket price. These additional fees can sometimes amount to hundreds of dollars above the advertised price and require consumers to make quick decisions on whether to move forward with the purchase of the tickets or lose their spot. In addition to the hidden fees, when dynamic pricing is used, tickets can increase to hundreds or thousands of dollars above the agreed upon ticket cost between the ticket company and artist. As a result of these non-transparent ticket pricing methods, consumers are often unable to predict what the actual cost of a ticket will be.

“While I wrote this bill before the Taylor Swift ticket fiasco, I have heard from many Swift fans who support this change,” Representative Carey said.  “No matter the event, consumers are tired of the lack of transparency from ticket sellers.  Watching ticket prices increase as you navigate through the purchasing process is devastating.  Sellers should not be able to hide behind websites while consumers are left out in the cold.”

Representative Carey and Senator Velis noted that their legislation is based off of similar laws in other states. The bill is currently before the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure and the two legislators are hoping for a public hearing soon.

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May 13, 2023May 11, 2023

May 13th, 2023 – Weekly Update

Hello everyone,

I hope you all are enjoying this phenomenal weather. It should be a fantastic weekend to view quite a few aircraft at the Westfield International Airshow. I am sure looking forward to seeing the new F-35 Fighter in the skies over Western Massachusetts!

We had a busy week in the Senate as the Senate’s FY’24 Budget proposal released on Tuesday. For the last several days I worked with my team to file amendments prior to Friday’s deadline. After the Senate finishes its budget, the Senate and House will collaborate to reconcile any differences in our versions of the budget. I am excited to work with my colleagues to ensure that the priorities of the Hampden and Hampshire District are being met.

You may notice many folks sporting the color green this month. This is because May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time of year that highlights the central part that mental health plays in our everyday lives. It is a reminder that we still have work to do to recognize, destigmatize, and address the mental health needs of our communities. It is also a time to thank and encourage those who are doing incredible work in the mental health space, they truly are lifesavers. I am pleased to see the record-breaking levels of funding to behavioral health systems in the Senate’s budget proposal, it is critically important that we support these institutions.

Between budget meetings, I kept busy with events throughout the district and in Boston. On Tuesday, I was able to attend the 20^th Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Alliance of Boys and Girls club at the Statehouse. It was exciting to hear about their new initiatives and the trends they are seeing from clubs across the state. As a club kid myself, I understand the incredible impact that clubs have on our youth, and I will continue to support them however I can in the Senate.

To end the week on Friday, I joined the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness for their annual gathering at Holyoke Community College. The gathering included fellow legislators, local leaders, and community partners. While there, we collectively reviewed the extraordinary efforts that are taking place to address and prevent homelessness.

I’d also like to recognize three new businesses that held ribbon cuttings in the district this week. A warm welcome to Neurological Optimal Wellness, West Springfield Pharmacy & Wellness, and Eclectic Finds at The Bismarck. Wishing these businesses much continued success!

This week my team held office hours in Chicopee and West Springfield. Next week we will be at the Easthampton COA on Tuesday from 10:30 AM – 11:30 and then at the Holyoke COA on Wednesday from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. If you can’t make office hours, I can always be reached at john.velis@masenate.gov or at (413)572-3920. You can also find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.

Sincerely,

John

May 11, 2023

Sen. Velis Highlights Behavioral Health Funding in FY24 Senate Budget Proposal

(BOSTON – 5/9/2023) As the Senate Committee on Ways & Means released its FY24 Budget proposal today, Senator Velis (D-Westfield) highlighted the record funding included in the package for behavioral health initiatives. Building off the Mental Health ABC 2.0 Act of last session, the budget invests over $1.3 billion to support a spectrum of behavioral health services and prevention programs for adults and children.

“As Mental Health Awareness Month continues, this budget proposal emphasizes the Senate’s steadfast commitment to supporting individuals in our Commonwealth who are struggling with mental health issues and substance use disorders,” said Senator Velis, who is Senate Chair of the Mental Health, Substance Use, & Recovery Committee. “I am grateful to Senate President Spilka, Chairman Rodrigues, and the Senate Ways & Means Committee for their thoughtful and attentional focus in this proposal on behavioral health.”

The budget proposal includes $597.7 million for Adult Support Services, including assisted outpatient programming, and $316.3 million for Department of Mental Health hospitals and community-based services.

Much of the additional funding is focused on recommendations from the Behavioral Health Advisory Commission, including $100 million for a loan repayment program for behavioral health workers, $25 million for scholarship programs, and another $25 million to support currently unpaid clinical hours that are required for internships, field placements, and apprenticeships.

“A lot of this focus is on our behavioral health workforce and how we can encourage more folks to get into these fields and retain them,” said Senator Velis. “But another major part of this is about making investments in areas where folks are feeling the impact of this crisis the hardest. That is why the Senate budget also makes a major commitment in the behavioral health needs of our most vulnerable populations, with a key focus on our schools and students. We have a lot to do in the behavioral health space and I am proud of these investments as chairman. ”

The Senate budget proposal also includes:

$25 million for emergency department diversion initiatives for children, adolescents, and adults, a $15 million increase over the FY 2023;
$19.2 million for student behavioral health services across public colleges, K-12 colleges, and early education centers; and
$119.3 million for children’s mental health services, including $1 million for universal mental health screenings in schools.

Senators have until Friday, May 12^th, to file amendments to the budget proposal, which will then be debated by the Senate later in May. Senator Velis noted that he looks forward to working with his colleagues to improve the legislation even more.

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May 6, 2023May 4, 2023

May 6th, 2023 – Weekly Update

Hello Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! This week was a big one for the Holyoke Veterans’ Home, as we got word that the VA has officially awarded $164 million to the Massachusetts Office of Veterans Services for the construction of a new facility, the first award in $263.5 million of federal funding. This funding process all started with our state bond bill in 2021, which I was proud to help get across the finish line, and I am thrilled that we are one step closer to making the new facility a reality.

Even with this excitement, Team Velis still had quite a busy week. On Monday I had the honor of joining Representative Carey and Easthampton City officials for a ceremony recognizing resident Robert Cayo, a Korean War Veteran who was awarded both the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for his heroism in the Battle of Pork Chop Hill. These events are always special to me, and I was proud to present Robert with a Senate citation in honor of his service.

Tuesday morning, I joined the Holyoke Taxpayer’s Association for a quick update on the FY24 budget process. Afterward, I virtually joined students from throughout Massachusetts for a hearing of the Legislature’s Education Committee, where we testified in support of my School Robotics Bill, S360. The legislation would create a grant program to expand and support robotics clubs in our schools and it has been phenomenal to work alongside students on the bill.

Wednesday morning I joined Congressman Neal, Mayor McCabe, and Representative Pease at Barnes Air National Guard Base to celebrate the 104^th Fighter Wing being selected to receive the next fleet of F-35A Fighter Jets. Afterward, I headed over to Westfield Tech to visit with Veterans at the now-monthly Veterans lunch organized by Westfield VSO Julie Barnes. I wrapped up the day at Holyoke Community College for the retirement celebration of President Christina Royal, an incredible friend and educator who has led HCC for the past five years.

On Thursday I joined Sheriff Cocchi, Congressman Neal, and substance use experts for a roundtable discussion on improving health outcomes for individuals in our justice system who struggle with substance use disorders. This conversation led into a series of afternoon meetings on substance use and mental health priorities in the FY24 state budget.

I wrapped up the week on Friday with a legislative breakfast with the Pioneer Valley & Berkshire Building Trades Council, followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony for American Freight in Agawam. It’s always wonderful to engage with workers in the district and to see new businesses opening their doors!

This week my team held office hours in Agawam. Next week we will be at the Chicopee COA on Tuesday from 10AM – 11AM and the West Springfield COA on Wednesday from 11AM – 12PM. If you can’t make office hours, I can always be reached at john.velis@masenate.gov or at (413)572-3920. You can also find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.

Best,

John Velis

May 2, 2023

Sen. Velis Announces $164M in Federal Funding for Reconstruction of Holyoke Veterans’ Home

(HOLYOKE – 5/2/2023) On Tuesday Senator John Velis (D-Westfield) announced that $164M in federal grant funding has been awarded to the Executive Office of Veterans Services for new construction at the Holyoke Veterans’ Home, the first award in $263.5M of federal funding for the project.

“Today’s announcement has been a long time in the making and is an important step towards making a new Holyoke Veterans’ Home a reality,” said Senator Velis, who is Chairman of the Legislature’s Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee. “This process started back in the spring of 2021 with the passage of the Legislature’s bond bill, and it is truly exciting to see this federal funding come to fruition. This new facility, and this funding, will help ensure that the future residents of the Holyoke Veterans’ Home and Veterans across the Commonwealth receive the care with honor and dignity that they have earned in service to our nation.”

As Chairman, Senator Velis championed the passage of the $400M state bond bill last session that ultimately resulted in this federal grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs State Home Construction Grant Program. After passage of the bond bill, the state was able to apply for the VA Construction Grant Program and received conditional approval last year. The Holyoke Veterans’ Home has now officially entered a Memorandum of Agreement with the VA and will receive the rest of the $263.5M in future fiscal years. The remaining $136.5M for the project will come from the state.

The reconstruction of the Holyoke Veterans’ Home is currently underway and coincides with the ongoing rebuilding of the Chelsea Veterans’ Home. In total, the Holyoke project includes 234 long-term care beds, nursing support, and community spaces for Veterans.

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April 29, 2023April 27, 2023

April 29th, 2023 – Weekly Update

Hi everyone,

Hard to believe that we are at the end of April! The Spring is flying by and before we know it, we will be in the dog days of summer.

Things in the Legislature are picking up as the FY24 budget season continues. This week the House completed their budget after a week of debate. Next up is the Senate, where we will work on our own budget over the next few weeks before ultimately debating and finalizing it towards the end of May.

As Chairman of the Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery Committee, many of my priorities this budget session will be in that area. This week was great preparation for that, starting with a great conversation on Monday at Westfield State on the topic of mental health on college campuses. We had an incredible turnout, and it was truly informative to hear from students and faculty about the trends they are observing.

Our work with behavioral health this week also involved meetings with Boston Children’s Hospital and Samaritans Inc to discuss legislative priorities related to children’s mental health and the rollout of the national 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. For those of you who don’t know, the 988 lifeline is available 24/7, 365 days a year, to anyone who is in emotional distress. It has been an incredible resource so far and I look forward to continuing to support its infrastructure.

This Wednesday while at the State House I also had the opportunity to meet with the Springfield Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber was out for the annual Beacon Hill Summit, and it was wonderful to meet with some of the great business leaders in the Greater Springfield area.

Special shout out to the Hampden Charter School of Science in West Springfield for having me over for a visit on Friday. Talking to students is always a blast for me and it was great to hear about their interests and passions.

This week I also recorded the next episode of my local cable show, “Beacon Hill to the 413”. My guest was Keith Fairey, President and CEO of Way Finders, a community organization focused on housing stability and production. Our discussion focused on some of the housing challenges that Western Mass faces and how the State can help make housing more affordable. Check your local cable channels or head to my website to watch.

This week my team held office hours in Westfield, Russell, and Southampton. Next week we will be at the Agawam COA on Monday from 11AM to 12PM. Feel free to stop by any of our office hours with questions, comments, concerns, or just to say hello!

If you are unable to make our office hours or need assistance any sooner, I can always be reached at my email: john.velis@masenate.gov or by phone: (413)572-3920. You can also find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com where you can sign up for my newsletter!

Best,

John Velis

April 26, 2023April 26, 2023

Senator Velis Holds Mental Health Discussion with Students at Westfield State University

(WESTFIELD – 4/26/2023) On Monday Senator John Velis (D-Westfield) visited Westfield State University to meet with students and faculty on the topic of mental health on college campuses. Senator Velis is the Senate Chairman of the Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery in the State Legislature.

“From balancing classes, work, and family responsibilities, to worrying about their futures post-graduation, college students have a lot on their plates, and that takes a toll on student’s mental health in a very real way. As a lawmaker, and especially now as Chairman, I believe it is critical that I hear these experiences firsthand as the Legislature looks towards policies to help expand access to mental health resources and support these students,” said Senator Velis. “I am incredibly grateful to all the Westfield State community members, and especially the students, who took their time to meet with me and share their thoughts.”

The discussion took place in the Ely Campus Center and lasted for nearly two hours on Monday afternoon. It was attended by more than 50 WSU community members, including WSU President Linda Thompson.

“I also had the opportunity to speak with faculty and students who are studying the area of behavioral health themselves, and it was fascinating to hear about what they are researching and seeing,” said Senator Velis. “The influence of social media on mental health, workforce shortages in the behavioral health care sector, and lack of access to care: these are all issues that folks at Westfield State are studying and working on. I look forward to continuing to partner with the University and engaging with our community on these issues as the legislative session continues.”

Senator Velis noted that he hopes to hold similar conversations in other forums throughout the region.

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April 22, 2023April 20, 2023

April 22nd, 2023 – Weekly Update

Hello Everyone,

Hope you are doing well and enjoying this Spring weather. A shortened, yet busy week in the Legislature and District.

On Monday, the Commonwealth celebrated Patriots Day, highlighted by the running of the Boston Marathon. Congratulations to all that participated, what an incredible accomplishment!

It was great to visit Westfield State University on Tuesday. While there, I met with President Linda Thompson to discuss workforce development and how we can work together to meet labor needs. Following our meeting, I spoke with the WSU Student Government body about the mental health challenges facing college-aged students. Each Spring it is an honor to meet with these future leaders to discuss current events and important topics on campus. I am always impressed by the folks involved in Student Government; it is encouraging to see them have such a vested interest in their university.

On Wednesday I was able to tour Girls Inc. of the Valley in Holyoke. I enjoyed seeing the renovations they have undertaken to secure an even brighter future for girls of all ages. The renovations will allow Girls Inc. to provide leadership and developmental opportunities inside and outside of their four walls. I look forward to continuing to support them in their mission.

Westfield and the greater area received some tremendous news this week. The 104^th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base has been selected by the Department of Defense as the home for the next generation F-35A Fighter Jets. The future deployment of these aircraft is a testament to the hard work completed over the last several years, including last year’s passage of the SPEED Act. With the F-35A in place, Barnes will continue to serve a critical role in our national defense strategy, as well as our regional economy, for decades to come.

On Thursday it was great to meet with the NAN Project, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention and mental health education program for young people. This meeting was followed by a discussion with Even Health and Alkermes on Friday, two organizations that are focused on expanding access to mental health resources. Organizations like these are on the frontlines of the mental health space and I am humbled to get to know them and learn about their work.

This week my team held office hours in Easthampton and Holyoke. Next week we will be at the Westfield COA on Monday from 12:30PM to 1:30PM, Russell COA on Tuesday 11:30AM to 12:30PM, Southampton COA on Wednesday 10:00AM to 11:00AM. Feel free to stop by with any questions, comments, concerns, are just to say hello!

Best,

John Velis

April 19, 2023

Pentagon Announces F-35 Fighter Jets for 104th Fighter Wing: SPEED Act Helps Massachusetts Meet Final Criteria

(WESTFIELD – 4/19/2023) Yesterday the Pentagon announced the assignment of 18 of the Air Force’s latest generation F-35A Lightning II fighter jets to the 104^th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield.

The Department of Defense considered several contenders from across the country in their final decision and specifically looked at how Massachusetts supported service-members and military families in selecting Barnes. Legislation authored by Senator John Velis (D-Westfield) and signed by Governor Baker last year, known as the SPEED Act, helped Massachusetts meet criteria in these areas that the Department of Defense was looking for.

“The 104^th Fighter Wing is one of the most accomplished flying units in our nation and yesterday’s announcement ensures that the 104^th, and Barnes as a whole, will continue that legacy and will remain a critical part of our national defense strategy for decades to come,” said Senator Velis, who is Chairman of the Legislature’s Veterans’ Committee and a Veteran himself. “This decision is a testament to all the work that has taken place over the last several years. Specifically, last year’s passage of the SPEED Act signaled to the Department of Defense that Massachusetts is a trailblazer and that our Commonwealth is the best place for military service members to call home.”

Among other pieces, the SPEED Act expedites the professional licensing process for military spouses so that they continue their careers, allows for advanced and virtual enrollment for military children to resolve disruptions in education, and expands benefits and recognitions provided to service-members and military families in Massachusetts. The measures in the law were all criteria that the Department of Defense looks for when making military-basing assignments.

“From day one the Department of Defense made it explicitly clear to us that they were looking at how states cared for military families in making this decision, and the SPEED Act ensured that we met and exceeded those criteria,” said Senator Velis. “This assignment of F-35A aircraft will bring new and transformative economic investments to our community and will benefit all of Western Massachusetts in the process. I am proud that Massachusetts and the Legislature was able to play a role in making that happen.”

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April 15, 2023April 14, 2023

April 15th, 2023 – Weekly Update

Hi Everyone,

Hope you’re all doing well. It’s been a busy week in the Legislature and our district.

We kicked the week off on Monday with a hearing with the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs. We heard testimony on legislation focused on staffing shortages in nursing homes across the state. As the Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs, I’m taking the needs of our nursing homes very seriously and look forward to working toward improvement.

Tuesday was National Pet Day! I’m so grateful for my cat Finnegan who we adopted through the Westfield Homeless Cat Project. Finnegan and all of Team Velis’ furry friends hope you can spare a couple of extra treats for your furry friends this week in their honor.

On Tuesday I also met with several different substance use recovery and support advocacy organizations at the State House. As Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery, I always appreciate hearing from groups like this about what their priorities are and how they can be best supported by the state and our local communities.

On Wednesday I had a meeting with Roca Inc. to discuss budget priorities. Roca’s mission is to disrupt incarceration, poverty, and racism through engagement with youth intervention strategies. With two sites in Western MA doing amazing work, it was great to hear about their top priorities moving forward.

Thursday the Senate was in formal session with the highlight on Governor Healey’s bill to establish a separate Housing Secretary in her cabinet. This new position will provide an increased focus on housing issues in in the Commonwealth and I was glad to join my colleagues in a bi-partisan effort to get this bill passed.

I also met with Attorney General Campbell in Boston on Thursday to discuss new reports of the impact that social media is having on the mental health of adolescents. This is a really important priority of mine this session and it is my goal to understand all aspects of this issue so that we can combat the problem in the right way.

I finished off my week with a busy Friday! I joined a wonderful group of students from UMass Amherst for a class, joined a meeting with the Veterans Advocacy Coalition, and stopped by the Holyoke Department of Public Works to visit facilities and discuss how the state can better support their needs.

This week my team held office hours in West Springfield on Wednesday. Next week, we’ll be at the Easthampton COA on Tuesday from 10:30am-11:30am and at the Holyoke COA on Wednesday from 10:00am-11:00am. Feel free to stop by with any questions, comments, concerns, or just to say hello!

If you are unable to make our office hours or need assistance any sooner, I can always be reached at my email: john.velis@masenate.gov or by phone: (413) 572-3920. You can also find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com where you can also sign up for my newsletter!

Best, John Velis